Kilroy Realty(KRC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported FFO of $0.97 per diluted share in Q4 2025, with occupancy ending the year at 81.6%, reflecting a 60 basis point sequential improvement [22][24] - Cash same-property NOI growth was negative 7.2% in Q4, primarily due to a sizable restoration fee recognized in Q4 2024, which detracted 350 basis points from current year growth [22][24] - The anticipated yield at Kilroy Oyster Point Phase Two (KOP2) is now in the mid-5% range, approximately 100 basis points below the original underwriting [10][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter leasing totaled approximately 827,000 sq ft, marking the strongest fourth quarter performance in six years, resulting in total full-year leasing of approximately 2.1 million sq ft, a significant year-over-year increase [3][4] - Key leasing highlights included a 93,000 sq ft new lease with the Fitler Club in Hollywood and a 316,000 sq ft lease with UCSF at KOP2, bringing the lease rate at KOP2 to 44% [4][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced the healthiest level of office demand since 2019, with a forward leasing pipeline that has grown by more than 65% over the last year [4][5] - In San Francisco, premium sublease space is virtually gone, indicating a positive sign for the market recovery [41][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving leasing across its operating and development portfolios, monetizing non-core asset sales, and redeploying proceeds into select opportunities to enhance long-term growth [3][10] - The company plans to capitalize on the recovering leasing environment and improving capital markets, targeting $300 million in operating portfolio dispositions in 2026 [21][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the leasing pipeline, indicating that the pipeline is about 65% higher than a year ago, with high confidence in getting tenants into occupancy over 2026 [49][50] - The company noted that the innovation pipeline remains exceptionally active, with more than 50 novel drug therapies anticipated to receive FDA approval in 2026, reflecting continued scientific advancement and investment [8][9] Other Important Information - The company successfully completed the sale of Sunset Media Center for $61 million and Kilroy Sabre Springs for $125 million, monetizing mature, capital-intensive assets [10][11] - The acquisition of Nautilus for $192 million strengthens the company's presence in the life science sector and positions it to capture cutting-edge lab and office demand [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the UCSF anchor lease and its late commencement - Management clarified that the UCSF lease is part of a new development project currently in shell condition, requiring time for space planning and build-out [31][33] Question: Clarification on KOP2 yield and tenant improvements - The mid-5% yield is a cash stabilized yield, and all transactions signed to date have been reflected in the new cost estimates [37][38] Question: Update on leasing activity and competitive impact in San Francisco - Management noted that premium sublease space is nearly gone, and the recovery in San Francisco is evident with significant tenant activity and expansion-focused leases [41][42][80] Question: Retention expectations for expiring leases in 2026 - Management expects substantial move-outs from the 1.05 million sq ft of expiring leases, with progress already made in backfilling some of that space [48][49] Question: Market conditions and tenant space needs - Management indicated that new business formation and growth, particularly in AI, are driving demand for office space, with many tenants discussing expansion [78][79]